UK: LEP Powered Up to Drive Low Carbon Economy

LEP Powered up to Drive Low Carbon Economy

Tees Valley Unlimited, the local enterprise partnership for Tees Valley has further demonstrated its commitment to the green economy with the appointment of a Low Carbon Officer.

Steven Pugh joins TVU’s Business Investment Team which in the last three years alone has secured over £750 million of new investment, creating thousands of local jobs.

Steven will work alongside Sarah Tennison, Low Carbon Manager, supporting the Tees Valley industrial base and its drive towards a low carbon, high value future. In particular Steven will offer support to the Offshore Wind sector.

Steven explained;

“The priority objective is to work with the Tees Valley industry to develop the Offshore Wind supply chain, offer support to help tackle barriers to growth and to help exploit opportunities for expansion.

“This will be achieved by developing a series of actions for TVU and partners to take forward, offering inward investment support, strategic account management and supporting the coordination of partner organisations such as UKTI, BIS and the other 4 UK sites which, along with Tees Valley, have been identified as a Centre for Offshore Renewable Engineering (CORE).

“If we can facilitate a combined approach we will maximise the UK offer and, as the sector grows, be in a position to secure further significant inward investment for Tees Valley.”

Steven trained as a mechanical engineer working on large overseas construction projects, later completing a PhD in 2011 with a global aerospace manufacturer developing low carbon technologies. He added;

“Tees Valley presents a fantastic investment opportunity for offshore wind in terms of location, infrastructure and workforce.

“Only 60 miles from Dogger Bank, the area is home to internationally renowned offshore wind companies, first class training facilities and leading support networks such as Energi Coast and NOF Energy.

“I am confident that bringing these critical partners together will position Tees Valley as one of Europe’s leading offshore wind locations.”

[mappress]

Offshore WIND staff, March 07, 2012; Image: TeesValleyUnlimited